Importance of Planning providing the expertise

Importance of Planning

When it comes to land or building planning processes, it's all about Knowledge.

For Environmental Impact Assessments, the details and approaches can vary in each local planning authority and within different parts of the UK.
We deal with this through our cross-disciplinary approach that considers each council's attitude, legislation and approval procedures to varied projects. It's true to say that the format can be interperated in different ways by individual councils and planning approval committees. However, it is broadly the same throughout the UK. For example, in Scotland, each application usually has a single appeal, whereas in England and Wales the appeals process can have multiple stages.

Our team are resiliant in their approach to planning processes, as well as management of the local authority, ensuring every aspect has been addressed and answered in exactly the way each local planning authority desires. Although planning can be a complex process, our consultants are well equipped to guide you through the processes and provide their expertise.

It's an approach that has served us and our clients well bringing successful outcomes.

Explore THE COGEO planning process in more detail below.

planning graphic

Initial Project Design +

Starting a development before gaining planning permission is risky. This can lead to enforcement action, extra costs or even demolition. We know of several cases of development without planning permission and these have led to the owners being forced to demolish it, sometimes years later. This not only loses money from the original build, but also fines and legal costs.

Obtain planning permission before you start to build to remove these risks and allow you to progress without the worry.

You also need planning permission to get a completion certificate (or similar depending on your development type). A completion certificate is proof that your building work conforms to the correct standards and your structure is legally safe. For example, if you build a house, you will find it extremely difficult to sell in the future without a completion certificate.

Most renewable energy developments require planning permission, and this allows you to apply for relevant subsidies such as Feed-in-Tariffs, see our renewable energy section for more information.

Our planning consultants will advise you to apply for planning permission before you start your development. By applying as early as possible in your project, means that you will reduce the likelihood of delays at a later stage. We can even help you apply for outline planning permission, which indicates if the planning authority is likely to approve a planning application before you incur any substantial costs from your detailed design phase. The flow chart above shows the typical process for you to follow during planning.

Cogeo has also helped clients who have made errors in obtaining planning permission, especially when making changes to existing structures. Where problems occur, it is best to apply for retrospective planning permission as soon as you realise the error. Cogeo is here to help you.

Our Planning Advisers are here to assist. Call us on 0141 212 1322.